Means for operating stage-scenery



(No Model.)

J.GROSSY.

MEANS FOR OPERATING STAGE SGENERY.

Paigented Oct. 11', 1881 lllllllll W mum-w WITNESSES: 4%

UNITED STATES PATENT OFF CE.

JOHN-GROSSY, or PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

MEANS FOR OPERATING STAGE- SCENERY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 248,028, dated October 11, 1881.

Application filed August 10, 1881. (No model.)

ating Stage Scenery and Properties, which improvetnent is fully set forth in the following specification and accompanying drawings, in

Figure 1 is a front view of a stage embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical section of a portion thereof. Fig. 3 is a top view of a portion. Fig. 4 is a plan view, reduced, of the stage. r

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures.

My invention consists of scene-supports secured to rotary platforms on the floor of the stage, so that scenes can be quickly changed or transformed, whereby while one set is in service another may be prepared and set ready to be swung around for use.

It also consists of grooves or supports, and braces for the wings or box scenes, flats, &c., which may be readily set out and folded, as desired,

It also consists of means for simultaneously operating the grooves or supports.

It also consists of certain details of construction, as will be hereinafterstated.

Referring to the drawings, A represents a stage for theatical and other performances, and B the floor thereof.

0 represents rotary platforms or turn-tables,

which are properly mounted on foundations beneath the floor B and set level, or nearly so, as desired, with the floor B. In the present case there are four platforms, 0, and they are geared together so'that they may be simultaneously operated, the gearing being suitable spur-wheels connected to the platforms and meshing with each other, or band-wheels and belts, or other devices, which are operated by means ofa crank-shaft, pulley, or other device properly applied.

Rising from each platform 0 are uprights D, which support a head, E, on which is fitted a horizontally-sliding bar, F, and to the sides of the head are pivoted the grooves or supports G, which are connected to the bar F so as to be folded against or opened out from said head E. For this purpose the bar F maybe formed with teeth or racks a, and the pivots of the supports G with pinions or segments b, with which the racks of the bar F mesh or engage, so that the movement of the bar in one direction opens the supports Gr, so that flats, wings, 850., may be fitted to said supports G, as in the left-hand side of Fig. 1, and the movement of the bar in the other direction closes and folds said supports G, as shown in the right-hand side of Fig. 1. G may, however, be accomplished by pivoting them to the head E, and pivoting their inner ends to the bar F, so that the in and out movements or folding and unfolding of the supports may be accomplished by operating the slide or bar F.

Motion may be imparted to the bar by means of a lever, F, which is pivoted to the head E and fitted in a notch or slot in the bar, or by providing the bar with a rack or teeth, with which en gages a pinion provided with a crankhandle, F, as seen in Fig. 2.

To the head E is pivoted a series of braces, H, one for each support G, and formed of 'sections hinged or pivoted to each other, so as to be set at various angles relatively to the support G and the connected fiat, wing, &c. In order to hold the braces when adjusted they are provided with screws or bolts 0?, which enter the floor of the stage or keepers thereon, and so steady and sustain the braces.

When a scene is in service the several members of another scene and properties may be prepared andset behind the first-named scene, by which they are concealed. At the proper time the platforms 0 are rotated, whereby the old scene disappears and the new one is presented, provision thusbeing made for trans- The movement ofthe'supports formations in a convenient and rapid manner.

with the wings, flats, 860.

If desired, the braces H may be set to sunport or steady backgrounds, drops, and other parts extending from side to side of the stage.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A rotary platform provided with a scenesupporting device, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. Two or more rotary platforms provided with scene-supporting devices adapted to operate in concert, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. The braces H, in combination with the uprights D, said braces being formed of parts pivoted to each other and to said uprights, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4. The hinged groove or support G, in com- 

